The music program ‘Immortal Songs,’ which spans generations, has reached its 700th episode. Standing at another starting point, ‘Immortal Songs’ has vowed to continue to keep its place in homes for a long time.
On the afternoon of the 17th, a press conference was held at KBS New Building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the 700th episode of KBS2’s ‘Immortal Songs.’ PDs Park Hyung-geun, Kim Hyung-seok, and Choi Seung-beom, along with Kim Jun-hyun and Lee Chan-won, attended the event.
First broadcast in 2011, ‘Immortal Songs’ has now reached its 700th episode. It has maintained the top spot for 110 consecutive weeks, firmly securing its place in Saturday evening television. It has also been selected as the best program by viewers for three consecutive years.
As MCs Shin Dong-yup, Kim Jun-hyun, and Lee Chan-won showcase their fantastic chemistry, the 700th episode will feature ‘The Seven Legends’ over two weeks on April 5 and 12. Choi Baek-ho, Kim Chang-wan, The Blue, Yoon Jong-shin, YB, Jaurim, and Gummy will join as ‘The Seven Legends.’ Super luxurious hidden guests such as Park Jung-hyun, Dynamic Duo, Jung Joon-il, Roy Kim, and Touched will also make appearances.
PD Park Hyung-geun apologized, saying, “MC Shin Dong-yup had to attend a recording for another program this morning and could not be here.”
He continued, “There is a weight to the 700th episode. While there are many music programs that cover various genres, I think it is significant that we have been able to encompass different generations and genres for 14 years. I did the 600th episode as well, and my feelings are the same as then. I see this as a new starting point to think about the direction of the program as we walk towards the 800th episode.”
PD Park Hyung-geun hinted at the 700th episode, saying, “The three MCs are preparing a special stage. Wonderful artists will be doing the chorus.” Kim Jun-hyun added, “We three MCs will have Heo Gak, Shin Yong-jae, and Lim Han-byul in the chorus. They graciously agreed to join us.”
Lee Chan-won stated, “Reaching 700 episodes means we have filled 14 years. Following ‘National Singing Contest,’ ‘Music Stage,’ and ‘Open Music Concert,’ it is KBS’s representative long-running program. Although I haven’t been here for all 700 episodes, it is an honor to still be loved. It is a privilege to be the MC of such a program, and reaching 700 episodes is special. I will work hard so that we can be loved for the 800th, 1000th, and beyond.”
He continued, “Last year, I received a precious award while doing many programs at KBS. I did five programs in a year. If I could, I would like to give 20% of the award to each program, but I believe ‘Immortal Songs’ has made the biggest contribution,” expressing his affection.
Kim Jun-hyun remarked, “Celebrating the 700th episode is historic. It is an honor to decorate even a small page of it,” and confessed, “I will do my best not to be a burden to the ‘Immortal Songs’ program that has reached its 700th episode. It is an honor.”
He also mentioned that even during past slumps, ‘Immortal Songs’ was always there for him, saying, “At that time, I stopped various programs, but recording ‘Immortal Songs’ every Monday was truly healing. It was very tiring and difficult, but the singers put in tremendous effort and soul into their arrangements. Recording this was healing.”
He added, “I felt that I must not let go of this connection. I come to the recording studio with a cheerful and lively spirit. I sincerely thank the singers who have joined us. Personally, every week when I listen to music, I find great comfort and joy, and I am grateful. It is a program I can rely on and love.”
There was also talk about MC Shin Dong-yup, who has been with ‘Immortal Songs’ for a long time.
Kim Jun-hyun said about Shin Dong-yup, “After every recording, he always teases us by asking, ‘Didn’t we kill it today? How did it sound?’ The system is good, but we watch on the monitor. Seeing Shin Dong-yup enjoy himself for 15 years shows that he really loves and enjoys music. I think he feels privileged to listen to the singers’ songs. We always have a gathering after recording, and he takes care of the entire production team.”
Lee Chan-won also mentioned, “After recording, we discuss and have meetings with the production team. We talk about how today’s recording went and how we should approach the next recording. Even when the production team changes and the talk MC changes, Shin Dong-yup has remained the same. He is the identity of this program. We learn a lot from seeing him constantly putting in effort and having meetings.”
PD Park Hyung-geun confessed about the direction, “It is a homework that we must constantly solve. We try to show something new. Whether it’s stage direction or something new, we strive to present it. It is not always the case that being new and young is the answer. The big homework for each episode is how harmoniously we can present something new.”
PD Kim Hyung-seok emphasized, “While casting the legends who will appear in the 700th episode, there are legends that symbolize the history of ‘Immortal Songs.’ We selected those who can appeal to the younger generation. I think this is the direction we should aim for in the future. While we bring back classic songs and legends from the past, we want to create a music program that can breathe with young viewers and not just remain in the past.”
‘Immortal Songs’ airs every Saturday at 6:05 PM.
